New Delhi: As the ICC Champions Trophy next year remains a focal point, Pakistan is readying itself for its ODI series against Australia, led by the newly appointed captain, Mohammad Rizwan. Following his elevation to the position of white-ball captain, Rizwan has articulated his resolve to identify the optimal team composition in preparation for the tournament, which is further supported by the forthcoming ODI matches.
"We are scheduled to play a significant number of ODIs prior to the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan," Rizwan stated in a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as reported by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
"The upcoming series, beginning with Australia, followed by Zimbabwe, South Africa, and a home tri-nation tournament, will assist us in assembling the ideal lineup for the prestigious event," he elaborated.
As the champions of the last edition of the tournament in 2017, Pakistan is aiming to extend its success. The team is currently undergoing a strategic overhaul to refine their lineup in anticipation of the esteemed competition. In a notable development, Pakistan has unveiled their squad for the inaugural ODI, which includes debutants Muhammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub.
Concurrently, the defending champions of the Men's Cricket World Cup, Australia, have named their squad for the opening match. They plan to introduce a fresh opening pair, Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, both competing for the position alongside Travis Head in the ICC Champions Trophy. Australian captain, Pat Cummins, has encouraged his opening batsmen to adopt an aggressive approach, allowing them the liberty to play their natural style reminiscent of T20 cricket.
"Both of them in T20 and one-dayers have proven to be formidable to bat against, so that's our message to them," he mentioned prior to the ODI.
"My preference would be for them to give it their best shot," he added.
Australia XI for the first ODI: Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Pakistan XI for the first ODI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.
